August 2013 - 3 blastocysts tested using PGS, one tested chromosomally normal, one they could not read the DNA, and one tested as having a lethal trisomy condition (but the doctor says the tests may only be about 60% reliable so it could be wrong)

September 2013 - FET #5 Transferred the one "good" embryo! BFN

November 6 2013 - FET #6 Transferred the two other blasts on the recommendation of my doctor (Beta Nov. 20) another BFN

I'm a single gal, want kids, and don't think Mr. Right will be appearing anytime soon. I'm in my late 30s so figure I shouldn't wait anymore. I've been through a couple of natural IUIs but they haven't worked. I was a bit down recently (when second IUI didn't work), but I'm back up again!

I would love to hear your experience on whether natural IUIs can be successful (i.e. no drugs/hormones)...and what is the success rate? How much does the success rate increase if you medicate?

I just sent you a PM before I realized that you had posted here as well. For my IUIs I did use medication because I have a history of PCOS symptoms and so may not have ovulated on my own. I do know of some women who have become single mothers through unmedicated IUI cycles. I'm a member of the Toronto Single Monthers By Choice yahoo group. I highly recommend it. You have to be a member of the SMC organization in the states, but it's worth it.

Kristina

Me: 39
No DH (Doing this on my own)
DS - already 8 years old (conceived via IUI using a donor)

August 2013 - 3 blastocysts tested using PGS, one tested chromosomally normal, one they could not read the DNA, and one tested as having a lethal trisomy condition (but the doctor says the tests may only be about 60% reliable so it could be wrong)

September 2013 - FET #5 Transferred the one "good" embryo! BFN

November 6 2013 - FET #6 Transferred the two other blasts on the recommendation of my doctor (Beta Nov. 20) another BFN

I just sent you a PM before I realized that you had posted here as well. For my IUIs I did use medication because I have a history of PCOS symptoms and so may not have ovulated on my own. I do know of some women who have become single mothers through unmedicated IUI cycles. I'm a member of the Toronto Single Monthers By Choice yahoo group. I highly recommend it. You have to be a member of the SMC organization in the states, but it's worth it.

Kristina

Hi Kristina,

I'm new to this forum, so still figuring things out. I had to write to you, as we had our IUIs a day apart, and have betas due on May 4th. I used Puregon 75ml from day3 to 9. I only had one mature follicle measuring 24.1 on day 9 and IUI on day 11. My estrogen level on day 9 was 1023, which is the highest I've ever had (usually around mid 400s).I have used donor sperm in the past, but this time my ex boyfriend offered to help. I'm finding it quite expensive as I have to travel to appointments and take days off of work.

How do I go about joining SMC?

Please let me know how you make out with your results. Wishing you lots of babydust.!

I just sent you a PM before I realized that you had posted here as well. For my IUIs I did use medication because I have a history of PCOS symptoms and so may not have ovulated on my own. I do know of some women who have become single mothers through unmedicated IUI cycles. I'm a member of the Toronto Single Monthers By Choice yahoo group. I highly recommend it. You have to be a member of the SMC organization in the states, but it's worth it.

Kristina

Hi Kristina,

I'm a member of SMBC but don't know how to get into the Toronto group. Any ideas?I'm in 2WW for my second IUI, this time with Clomid. Beta is on Tuesday. Two BFN on HPT already. I'm so anixous...

Hi Everyone, my computer was broken for three weeks so I've been away from this board for a while. I'm so glad there are some others out there like me.

Shelly, sorry I didn't respond until now. Unfortunately my beta was negative on my IUI cycle. I am now thinking about doing another round of IVF but I'm just not sure it makes sense to fork over another $6000 for it. I have a follow-up appointment tomorrow so I will see what the doctor suggests. What happened with your cycle? That's cool that your ex-boyfriend was willing to be a donor for you. I really really hope you got a positive.

Hoping2BSMBC - you were on my April IUI buddies thread weren't you? I have my fingers crossed that you get a positive beta this time. Those HPTs can drive you nuts! But it's just too hard to resist them.

As far as joining the Toronto SMC group, first you have to be a member of the SMC organization http://www.singlemothersbychoice.com/, then you can go to the yahoo group for SMC Toronto http://groups.yahoo....up/smc-toronto/ and request to join the group. There are so many supportive ladies on there and we often get together for play dates too. Lots of thinkers and tryers in the group too.

Best of luck to everyone wherever you are on your journeys to motherhood.

Kristina

Me: 39
No DH (Doing this on my own)
DS - already 8 years old (conceived via IUI using a donor)

August 2013 - 3 blastocysts tested using PGS, one tested chromosomally normal, one they could not read the DNA, and one tested as having a lethal trisomy condition (but the doctor says the tests may only be about 60% reliable so it could be wrong)

September 2013 - FET #5 Transferred the one "good" embryo! BFN

November 6 2013 - FET #6 Transferred the two other blasts on the recommendation of my doctor (Beta Nov. 20) another BFN

Hi Everyone, my computer was broken for three weeks so I've been away from this board for a while. I'm so glad there are some others out there like me.

Shelly, sorry I didn't respond until now. Unfortunately my beta was negative on my IUI cycle. I am now thinking about doing another round of IVF but I'm just not sure it makes sense to fork over another $6000 for it. I have a follow-up appointment tomorrow so I will see what the doctor suggests. What happened with your cycle? That's cool that your ex-boyfriend was willing to be a donor for you. I really really hope you got a positive.

Hoping2BSMBC - you were on my April IUI buddies thread weren't you? I have my fingers crossed that you get a positive beta this time. Those HPTs can drive you nuts! But it's just too hard to resist them.

As far as joining the Toronto SMC group, first you have to be a member of the SMC organization http://www.singlemothersbychoice.com/, then you can go to the yahoo group for SMC Toronto http://groups.yahoo....up/smc-toronto/ and request to join the group. There are so many supportive ladies on there and we often get together for play dates too. Lots of thinkers and tryers in the group too.

Best of luck to everyone wherever you are on your journeys to motherhood.

Kristina

Hi Kristina,

Yes, I was in the April IUI buddies thread. Just finished up in the May thread too with a BFN confirmed 10 minutes ago. Moving onto the June thread now. Glad to be a part of this one too.

Hoping2BSMBC - I'm so sorry to hear about your BFN. Good for you for jumping right into the next try.

It seems we have two threads going for single moms. Perhaps we should pick one and then we don't have to keep posting on both. Since the other thread (New Forum for Single Mothers) has more postings, maybe we should continue on there. What do you all think?

Kristina

Me: 39
No DH (Doing this on my own)
DS - already 8 years old (conceived via IUI using a donor)

August 2013 - 3 blastocysts tested using PGS, one tested chromosomally normal, one they could not read the DNA, and one tested as having a lethal trisomy condition (but the doctor says the tests may only be about 60% reliable so it could be wrong)

September 2013 - FET #5 Transferred the one "good" embryo! BFN

November 6 2013 - FET #6 Transferred the two other blasts on the recommendation of my doctor (Beta Nov. 20) another BFN

After a long journey and difficult journey to make my decision to try to become a mom, my son was born June 27, 2009.
I chose Donor IUI and got pregnant on my first try. I used clomid for boost. I had a wonderful pregnancy. Even though I tested early for Gestational diebetis and had some high blood pressure, I never felt sick or held back by anything. I loved being pregnant. Every day was a wonder and a gift. The joy of my life arrived 3 wks early but all was well. I had no idea that I would only have him a short time. At 2 months my son was admitted to Stollery Childrens Hospital for what we believed at the time to be a relatively simple surgery, but after arriving at the hospital we were on a rollercoaster through hell. My son died of liver and respiratory failure due to a mitochondrial disorder on Oct 23, at almost 4 months of age. I have just gotten mitochondrial dna sequencing results that did not find the root of his disorder, but the changes in the dna they found were classes as insignigicant, and so they tell me it was not likely to me maternally inheritated, but cannot tell me the root cause. (we get most of out mitochondrial dna from out mother)

I am returning to Dr Motan to discuss my options and I hope to try again. I want to be a mom, my heart aches for my son Barett, but I have more love to share and hope I have a second chance.

2007--ask for referral2008--Feb meeting with disaproving dr2008--May Meet Dr Motan, but also meet Dr O'Keane in Calgary2008--Sept Sign consent forms and order donor sperm units2008--Oct 23 first IUI2008--Nov Pregnant---hcg slow doubling, and retested several times2008--Dec 6w post IUI ultrasound 1 heartbeat---finally celebrate2009--Jan to June--Normal pre-natals and ultrasounds, Gest diebetic, high bp--both easily controlled2009--June 21 Admitted to Hospital, Cord dopler not measuring good, NSTs multiple times a day2009--June 26 Start induction with cervidil2009--June 27 Broke water and start "drip" Baby boy born at 7:48pm2009--Aug 20 Baby Admitted to Stollery Hospital2009--Oct 23 Son died in my arms2010-2012 Broken heart, healing heart, Wishing and Wanting to have another chance to be a mom2011-New job, stability and decision to get started trying in the new year2012 - Feb--Stop taking Yasmin (taking to suppress ovarian function) - Start keeping track of things, do day 3 bloodwork and day 3 ultrasound2012 - March Telehealth meeting with Dr Motan, discuss bloodwork and options. Decide to try Clomid cycle2012 - May--Waiting for period to again do bloodwork and start clomid, but no bleed. Do a round of Prometrium--no bleed, go for ultrasound, and now on Provera and have to wait a full cycle because of a couple cysts

Oh mdb, I am so sorry for your loss. What a terrible, terrible thing to have to go through. You are so very strong for wanting to try for another child. Welcome to our group and to a very supportive site. My heart goes out to you.

Kristina

Me: 39
No DH (Doing this on my own)
DS - already 8 years old (conceived via IUI using a donor)

August 2013 - 3 blastocysts tested using PGS, one tested chromosomally normal, one they could not read the DNA, and one tested as having a lethal trisomy condition (but the doctor says the tests may only be about 60% reliable so it could be wrong)

September 2013 - FET #5 Transferred the one "good" embryo! BFN

November 6 2013 - FET #6 Transferred the two other blasts on the recommendation of my doctor (Beta Nov. 20) another BFN

I am a single mom. I did IVF using donor sperm for my daughter and FET with remaining embryos from my prior donor IVF and had my twins. I did lose my son Dante but still have my three beautiful children as a single mom. I used to be very active on the site but took a step back after losing my son. I came on as a fluke today but was really happy to see this thread so thought I would post.

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son Dante. You sound like an amazing person. I'm glad that you found the new forum for single people. I'd love to hear more about your experiences and your kids. Many of us have been posting on the other thread in the IVF and Single Parenting forum. I'm sure you could offer some very valuable advice and suggestions to us all.

Kristina

Me: 39
No DH (Doing this on my own)
DS - already 8 years old (conceived via IUI using a donor)

August 2013 - 3 blastocysts tested using PGS, one tested chromosomally normal, one they could not read the DNA, and one tested as having a lethal trisomy condition (but the doctor says the tests may only be about 60% reliable so it could be wrong)

September 2013 - FET #5 Transferred the one "good" embryo! BFN

November 6 2013 - FET #6 Transferred the two other blasts on the recommendation of my doctor (Beta Nov. 20) another BFN

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son Dante. You sound like an amazing person. I'm glad that you found the new forum for single people. I'd love to hear more about your experiences and your kids. Many of us have been posting on the other thread in the IVF and Single Parenting forum. I'm sure you could offer some very valuable advice and suggestions to us all.

Kristina

I was a member here for years since before my first IVF attempt with my daughter.

I have an 8 year old boya 3 year old girland 1 year old son.

Going through IVF as a single parent was a big decission and very hard emotionally. It was a struggle to have no one really to talk to while cycling, and no one to help when the drugs were making me feel sick. Pregnancy with out a partner is also very lonely. As much as I had other friends and family interested I was still very alone. No one to turn to in the middle of the night when the baby kicked, no one to feel my pain when I lost pregnancies, no one to feel my pain when I lost my child. However saying all that negative about being single I wouldn't change it for the world. It is a struggle to get there. THere will be people who judge you doing it alone. But it has been and continues to be a wonderful experience. I love every minute with my kids. They are all secure and so far accepting of not having a dad. I have been very open with my children and those around me that I am single, used donor and over all people have come to accept it and not much is said anymore. There are negatives about everything in life. I strongly believe if you want something go for it. If you want a baby and don't have a partner that shouldn't stop you from having a child if you really want it.

If you want it, you are right not to wait. Hopefully you have a good RE at your clinic who you could meet with to discuss options. I prepared a chart with the things I wanted to know about all my options (in my case IUI, medicated IUI, IVF and donor egg) such as success rates, likelihood of multiples, cost, etc...

You could also go for a consultation with a 2nd clinic to see what their advice is for you.I started in on treatments at 40 1/2, and encountered many delays (had a miscarriage which slowed things down as well). Fertility and success rates drop off tremendously quickly with age so I'd encourage you to not waste time, whatever you choose to do...

Good luck!!

A.N.

Hi there,

I'm a single gal, want kids, and don't think Mr. Right will be appearing anytime soon. I'm in my late 30s so figure I shouldn't wait anymore. I've been through a couple of natural IUIs but they haven't worked. I was a bit down recently (when second IUI didn't work), but I'm back up again!

I would love to hear your experience on whether natural IUIs can be successful (i.e. no drugs/hormones)...and what is the success rate? How much does the success rate increase if you medicate?

MG

Me: 44 (sigh) DB is 40 (Dear boyfriend!)

TTC from March 2009-March 2011 before DB had arrived on the scene
About 9 IUIs, 3 IVFs total

April 2011 began a relationship now with a wonderful guy with an 8 year old son.
Sept 2011 Natural BFP while trying not to conceive (how ironic)
First Beta Day 15 from LMP was 851, Beta 4, 19 days post ovulation 5382
7wk US showed a heartbeat of 150! 9 wk US HB 185

I would love to chat with any and all of you - please see one of my latest client's testimonials: I think you will find that you can all relate!
Support is Priceless and Valuable

December 2010

Mindy Berkson stopped time and changed my life. I am a single professional woman in her early 30s. I come from a large and loving family – and have always adored children. For me, motherhood is a must. However, while I am eager to find my soul mate he appears to be taking his time in finding me. I did not feel pressure to find my man, settle down, and have kids immediately. But I knew that the fertility statistics were not on my side. When I met Mindy for advise and counsel, she provided me with concrete medical statistics which underscored the reality of what I knew – time was of the essence. More important, she educated me on medical advances that would literally stop time. No one knows what the future has in store. I could meet my soul mate today, fall madly in love, get married, and have no complications with pregnancy in the future. But, it was not a risk I was willing to take. I knew that if I did not explore this further, I would potentially regret it in years to come. Mindy spoke with me at length on the options available and ranked specialists around the country, helping me to select the appropriate doctor. The summer of 2010, I had my eggs frozen. For me, it was an insurance policy. When the time is right, I plan to try to get pregnant on my own. But, if there are complications I will have the ability to get pregnant using younger eggs. I may never need to use the eggs that I have stored, and I recognize the possibility that they might not work. But, I will know that I did everything in my power to make my dreams of motherhood a reality. I have been incredibly vocal about the process. Women always ask, “Well, how much did it cost?”. I won’t lie - it was more than a pair of Loboutins. But, the real question is, “How can you value this sense of security?”. I didn’t feel pressure to settle down because of my age, but any inkling of stress has completely dissipated. The process has given me peace of mind and has truly empowered me. Mindy was not simply a source of initial information - she supported me throughout the entire process. I would encourage anyone exploring fertility options to contact Lotus Blossom Consulting.

Well as most if you know I am not a single mom by choice but I am loving every moment of it
My ex was never with me during the preg or losses I had (he was on call) always !!! Huh how dumb of me
I was lonely till the last day I was with him the moment I left with my son I was surrounded by so much love that I now think I should have left him a long time ago and I even told him I wish I had taken a donner sperm
In my case I couldn't even tell people I was alone or ask for help
If you want to be a mom go for it don't worry about being single
Being asingle mom is kind of a blessing in disguise
I don't have to rush home from play day to cook for some one else
I don't care if laundry is not done
I don't have to leave my bed if nayal is being fussy ,because some one else is getting disturbed
I am not answerable to anyone about how I am raising my son
The list goes on
Good luck
Sam

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son Dante. You sound like an amazing person. I'm glad that you found the new forum for single people. I'd love to hear more about your experiences and your kids. Many of us have been posting on the other thread in the IVF and Single Parenting forum. I'm sure you could offer some very valuable advice and suggestions to us all.

Kristina

I was a member here for years since before my first IVF attempt with my daughter.

I have an 8 year old boy
a 3 year old girl
and 1 year old son.

Going through IVF as a single parent was a big decission and very hard emotionally. It was a struggle to have no one really to talk to while cycling, and no one to help when the drugs were making me feel sick. Pregnancy with out a partner is also very lonely. As much as I had other friends and family interested I was still very alone. No one to turn to in the middle of the night when the baby kicked, no one to feel my pain when I lost pregnancies, no one to feel my pain when I lost my child. However saying all that negative about being single I wouldn't change it for the world. It is a struggle to get there. THere will be people who judge you doing it alone. But it has been and continues to be a wonderful experience. I love every minute with my kids. They are all secure and so far accepting of not having a dad. I have been very open with my children and those around me that I am single, used donor and over all people have come to accept it and not much is said anymore. There are negatives about everything in life. I strongly believe if you want something go for it. If you want a baby and don't have a partner that shouldn't stop you from having a child if you really want it.

Any questions just ask.

Hi,

I admire your honesty and your bravery....it is a lonely process being a single Mum, but like you say, it's worth it!

I'm a mum to my beautiful 5 year old daughter and am going to have FET in January, but like you say there really aren't many people you can talk to about the process you're going thru because they don't understand.

I haven't started the drugs yet, are they manageable?

I'd like to stay in touch with you if that's ok, as I need people to share my thoughts and feelings with?

I'm very excited about the transfer but also pretty nervous!

i'm sorry to hear of your loss and hope that you have some support xxx

I'm hoping that there are some other single moms (or single women hoping for children) out there who would be interested in chatting.

K

Hi,

I'm looking to do Frozen Egg Transfer in January, I haven't had any scans yet, but am hoping all will be ok.

I'm fairly lonely in my pursuit of having another child at 44 and am looking to find other single women to chat to?

I see from your IVF experience that you are a very determined and brave lady!

Does the FET stand for fresh or frozen egg transfer?

Look forward to hearing from you xx

Hi Poshskirt,

I responded to your post in the other thread on this single parenting section.

FET means frozen embryo transfer....of which I have done several. I am planning another FET in September if I have any "normal" embryos to transfer. I just did one more IVF cycle a few weeks ago but did not do a fresh transfer because my doctor suggested having genetic testing done on the embryos. Since they don't get the results quickly enough they freeze the embryos and transfer after the results come in. I have had several chemical pregnancies and so the doctor thought they could be a result of "chromosomally abnormal" embryos. Anyway, we'll see how it goes. I don't think I will continue if this does not work.

Good luck to you in Greece!

gibasgirl likes this

Me: 39
No DH (Doing this on my own)
DS - already 8 years old (conceived via IUI using a donor)

August 2013 - 3 blastocysts tested using PGS, one tested chromosomally normal, one they could not read the DNA, and one tested as having a lethal trisomy condition (but the doctor says the tests may only be about 60% reliable so it could be wrong)

September 2013 - FET #5 Transferred the one "good" embryo! BFN

November 6 2013 - FET #6 Transferred the two other blasts on the recommendation of my doctor (Beta Nov. 20) another BFN

Hello ladies
Would love to join this group if I may.... I was married and divorced once for "one week" ( read my signature plz) so I don't think that counts for anything, and because of that I still consider myself as a single person
Mr. right is apparently lost and no where to be found, so I'm doing this on my own

Want to wish all of you strong ladies good luck and hope all of us end up being blessed of having a cute baby one day soon

gibasgirl likes this

Me-39Husband- Divorced
Donor--- sperm from Sperm bank.

Reason for IVF---Due to my age and wanting to have a child of my own decided to use donor sperm and do IVF to become a single mom.

History of ME--- Two open surgery of dermoid cyst removed and due to the last surgery blockage of fallopian tube. (ovaries are in good shape though) only choice now IVF.

IVF #1 (and the last one)
January 2013- started my tests before starting IVF with my clinic
February 2013- my doctor okayed starting of IVF (happy)
April 1/2013 - High Dose Protocol- start of injections - Puregon -hCG- Orgalutran
April 13/2013- ER. 16 follicles 13 eggs. 8 mature.
April 16/2013-ET 5 fertilized on day3 (ICSI). all 8cell grade A good quality embryos.
Transferred 2 on day 3.... froze 3 embryos for future.
2WW- started and on during the second week AF showed up and had blood test with a BFN!

May 2013- seeing my doctor for possibly using my frozen embryos for my next step.
June 2013- FET on hold. Scheduled for Hysteroscopy Polypectomy in August.
August 2013- Hysteroscopy done and polyps removed- follow up in two weeks.
September 2013 - FET on hold again until next year for upcoming Heart Surgery this Fall.
February 2014- had open heart surgery- took 6months of recovery and Cardiac Rehab and hopefully spring of 2015 doing my FET after recovering my full year of open heart surgery.

Sorry to hear your marriage didn't work out, but good for you for kicking him to the curb after what he did. I was also married and divorced. After the divorce I decided to go the donor route and have a baby on my own. I now have a 6 year old son and have been trying for many years for a second baby.

Good luck to you on this journey! I hope you will be able to use your frozen embryos soon.

Me: 39
No DH (Doing this on my own)
DS - already 8 years old (conceived via IUI using a donor)

August 2013 - 3 blastocysts tested using PGS, one tested chromosomally normal, one they could not read the DNA, and one tested as having a lethal trisomy condition (but the doctor says the tests may only be about 60% reliable so it could be wrong)

September 2013 - FET #5 Transferred the one "good" embryo! BFN

November 6 2013 - FET #6 Transferred the two other blasts on the recommendation of my doctor (Beta Nov. 20) another BFN

Hello Evanmom,
Thank you!
Yes... Unfortunately my marriage didn't last long. In a way I'm happy that I found out what kind of a person he is soon before it went too far.
Also I know being a mother is a hard job specially for those who are single parent, ( which I'm sure you know already) however raising a child in a healthy environment is very important. I come from an amazing family. I adore my parents, and I always wanted one day my child would feel about his/her parents the way I do. Coming to this important decision of having a child of my own and raising it took me a while. Of course I would've loved that my child grows up with a father too, but what can I do, when Mr. Right turns out to be Mr. Wrong!

Reason for IVF---Due to my age and wanting to have a child of my own decided to use donor sperm and do IVF to become a single mom.

History of ME--- Two open surgery of dermoid cyst removed and due to the last surgery blockage of fallopian tube. (ovaries are in good shape though) only choice now IVF.

IVF #1 (and the last one)
January 2013- started my tests before starting IVF with my clinic
February 2013- my doctor okayed starting of IVF (happy)
April 1/2013 - High Dose Protocol- start of injections - Puregon -hCG- Orgalutran
April 13/2013- ER. 16 follicles 13 eggs. 8 mature.
April 16/2013-ET 5 fertilized on day3 (ICSI). all 8cell grade A good quality embryos.
Transferred 2 on day 3.... froze 3 embryos for future.
2WW- started and on during the second week AF showed up and had blood test with a BFN!

May 2013- seeing my doctor for possibly using my frozen embryos for my next step.
June 2013- FET on hold. Scheduled for Hysteroscopy Polypectomy in August.
August 2013- Hysteroscopy done and polyps removed- follow up in two weeks.
September 2013 - FET on hold again until next year for upcoming Heart Surgery this Fall.
February 2014- had open heart surgery- took 6months of recovery and Cardiac Rehab and hopefully spring of 2015 doing my FET after recovering my full year of open heart surgery.

I have vaginismus, PCOS, and I'm 40. I was my father's only child and he died 2 years ago. I really want to continue his line before its too late. My mother is on board with my decision and capable of assisting me with childcare and rearing so its now or never for me.